Newsletters

MESSAGE FROM MRS JONES

It has been a very busy term with the children returning to a fairly normal school life at Vaughan.  

There have been a number of parent information sessions this term and I would like to thank parents for the large number of attendees at these sessions.  It is a great support to the school's work.  For those who have attended, I hope that they have been a source of support and explain how we can work in partnership. Please also take time to complete the online evaluation through Teachers to Parents that was emailed out to parents who have attended these meetings.

There are a number of different events planned over the next few weeks, and we are aiming to provide parents with opportunities to become engaged in school life leading up to the Christmas break.  We do ask that parents refer to the letter that has been recently sent out regarding these planned events as the school will have to closely monitor the local and national picture in terms of COVID-19.

We appear to be on the right track at the moment and due to everyone working hard to keep to the procedures in place, things are looking promising.  We do suggest that parents resume the wearing of masks on school grounds and if your child is ill, please keep them at home and follow the school's guidance or seek guidance from the NHS.  Please remember to report each day of absence for your child.

In the meantime, I would like to thank all parents for their continued support.

Mrs Jones
Headteacher

UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY

On 21^st September we were pleased to start the school year with our first Governing Body meeting. In this meeting we agreed the roles that each of the School Governors will take. I was pleased to be voted as the new Chair of Governors, taking over from Lisa Young who has given many years of service to Vaughan in the role. Shayam Mashru is the Vice-Chair of the Governing Body.

As the term has progressed some of the Governing Body have had the opportunity to meet the children and hear more about life at Vaughan. A real highlight was hearing from the Diversity Team who work together to increase others children’s understanding of diversity and inclusion, celebrating the differences of the pupil community.

Update on Board membership

Before half term we held a very successful parent governor election – we thank all of you for getting involved – either proposing yourself for a role, or taking part in the election. We are pleased to welcome Jonathan Arrowsmith and Joanne Constantine to the Governing Body later this term. After successful recruitment, we will also be welcoming a new Community Governor – Juz Paice to join us.

Updates from Governor meetings

Governors continue to meet virtually, on Zoom. This ensures good attendance and that we are able to maintain essential governor business. Below is some of the key areas governors have looked at:

• School budget and forecasting
• COVID risk assessment
• Website review
• Health and Safety risk assessments
• Safeguarding compliance checking and review
• Headteacher and teacher performance
• Review and sign off new policies, including: Special Education Needs and Safeguarding and Child Protection.
• Information report on pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Governor code of conduct and Governor skills review.

Big thank you to the Friends of Vaughan

The Governing Body wants to extend their thanks to the parent volunteers who make up our PTA (Parent Teacher Association) – the Friends of Vaughan. You will know from other newsletters and communications from the school the range of income generating activity they are leading.

Nerys Anthony
Chair of Governors

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Governing Body and the entire school, pupils past and present I would like to extend all our thanks to Lisa Young. 

Lisa Young has been a Governor at Vaughan for 10 years, and the Chair of the Governing Body since 2017.  She has championed pupil voice throughout, and been a real advocate for the development of our early years work in particular.

Lisa led the Governing Body through the last Ofsted inspection also.  Lisa has made such a significant contribution to life at Vaughan, with hours and hours of her time given to the school on a voluntary basis.  For this we are so very grateful. 

FIT4LIFE HARROW

Fit4Life Harrow was created to improve the health and wellbeing of all of the pupils in our schools by working together as a schools' community, sharing good practice and implementing new ideas in a coordinated and joined-up way. 

Vaughan have been recognised for our contribution to this and our efforts to support our children and school community in being "fit for life".

MORRISONS GOOD TO GROW

The school would love to say a massive thank you to all parents, carers and staff whom have readily donated their Morrisons Good to Grow coupons to Vaughan Primary School during the Autumn term.  We are pleased to report that we have now amassed 2,286 grow tokens which we are looking forward to redeeming for additional gardening equipment which will enable us to maintain our school allotment plot.  

Thank you for supporting the school by participating in this initiative.

SAFEGUARDING FORUMS FOR PARENTS/CARERS

Safeguarding… Heard that word used at school, but have no idea what it is or what it means?

Next term, Miss Rogers will be holding Safeguarding Forums where she will endeavour to explain what safeguarding is and what it looks like at Vaughan Primary School.  As well as this, she’ll be able to tell you what you can do as a parent to support your child(ren) and the school.

Dates and times will be confirmed after Christmas.

Watch this space!